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Oriental
Arborvitae
Platycladus orientalis
(L.)
Franco
plat-ee-CLAY-dus
ore-ee-en-TAE-lis
Conifers -
Cupressaceae
Explanation
of name:
Generic name from Greek for flat branches (WH1). Orientalis is
self-explanatory.
Synonym:
Thuja orientalis L.
Natural
range:
China and Korea (WH1), much cultivated
Recognition
(dimensions from WH1, WA1): A usually small dense conifer to 40’ tall having
minute scalelike leaves to 3 mm long, each with an inconspicuous gland. Branches
flat, the branchlets in fanlike single planes. Female cones woody at maturity,
about 1 cm long.
Landscape
uses:
A popular front-yard specimen tree having a dense, compact, glossy, often formal
appearance tending to be egg-shaped, columnar, or globular. Fast-growing. Very
eye-grabbing and difficult to harmonize with tropical plants. Popular in
cemeteries.
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Botanical |
English |
FL native |
Growth form
|
Flowering season
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Typical dimensions
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Suggested spacing |
Cultural conditions
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Problems |
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Platycladus orientalis |
Oriental Arbor Vitae |
Exotic |
Tree
Shrub |
None |
To 40’ (WA1) |
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SU(PS)
WI
WD
DT
ME
(DEH, WA1)
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Becomes large and leggy.
Does not have “Florida” look |
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